Research in pregnant woman.

Research has found that pregnant women and children appear most at risk of health problems from exposure to airborne chemicals. Children's brains and nervous systems are still developing so they are more vulnerable.
Just last month, a study by China's Fudan University and The Rockefeller University in New York discovered chemicals in some shower curtains, vinyl flooring and even children's toys could increase the risk of having a baby with a low birth weight. Earlier this year, a disturbing report revealed how these and other chemicals in food, household products and cosmetics were 'feminising' baby boys and were one of the leading causes of decreased fertility in Western males.

A study by the World Wildlife Fund even suggested these chemicals could be why cases of breast cancer have risen by 81 per cent in the last 30 years. All in all, the studies paint a pretty grim picture. Recently US research found that another group of chemicals - perfluorinated chemicals, or PFCs, found in some food packaging and carpets - were making it harder for women to conceive. One suggested reason is that they could interfere with female hormones. And once you're pregnant, chances are your baby will be exposed to a cocktail of chemicals while still in your womb.

Chemicals are absorbed through the skin into the blood, and then pass through the placenta to the foetus, although most scientists would argue that the levels involved are too tiny to be harmful. Now, Professor Andreas Kortenkamp from The University of London's School of Pharmacy, is calling on the Government to help protect pregnant women and their children against this chemical overload. "In Denmark, the Government gives leaflets to pregnant women advising them on how to limit chemical exposure during pregnancy," he says.One possible chemical culprit is bis phenol A - a substance used to make babies' bottles and to line the inside of tin cans. Last year, a study linked it in high doses to heart disease and diabetes in humans.